Also, just read that the m9A1 doesn't have a FP safety. Is this true?
The new Steyr S9-A1 I bought in June is a magnificient CCW pistol. I've spent three different range sessions testing ten different premium JHP self-defense ammos and all fired without any problems whatever. The pistol exhibited the same shooting characteristics with every different ammo, save for the difference in recoil between standard pressure, +P, and +P+ rounds.Correct. Due to the design, it should not need one - it is said that the striker will not have enough pre-cock to light off all but the most dangerously-light primers. Still, this does not sit well with some folks... If you want a very Steyr-esque pistol, but the firing pistol safety thing is a dealbreaker, look at Bubits' latest design - the Caracal series. These pistols feel very, very similar, but do include a firing pin safety (and a better trigger IMHO).